A student says: Potassium (K) always has 20 protons. Explain why the student is incorrect.

Explanation:

19

Potassium/Atomic number

This tells you that potassium has 19 protons and - since the number of protons is the same as the number of electrons- also 19 electrons. To find out the number of neutrons you have to look at the atomic mass or weight of the element. This can also be found in the periodic table.

it can be observed without changing the identity of the object.

it depends on what substance you're talking about as well as many other factors. in quantum mechanics, the observation of particles affects the observers ability to measure certain properties. for example: you can know the velocity of a particle, but you can't know it's position; or you can know it's position, but not it's velocity. it's like trying to find out where a grain of sand is by throwing other grains of sand at it. once you find out where it is, it's been moved. it's also like trying to find an answer to the question of whether or not a tree falling in a forest makes a sound if nobody is there to hear it. paradoxically, the only way to find out is to be there and hear it.